A total of 51 flights have been affected at airports in Saudi Arabia, disrupting travel for 5,418 passengers to and from Bangladesh, as per data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB). The disruptions include 12 direct flights and 39 transit services.
As of October 12, the impacted direct flights involved four by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, two by US-Bangla Airlines, and three each by Saudia and Riyadh Air. Among the transit flights, 16 were operated by IndiGo, nine by Emirates, five each by Qatar Airways and flydubai, three by SalamAir, and one by EgyptAir.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced the cancellation of its Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka flights from October 12 to 17 due to the continued closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The airport authorities extended the suspension of operations until 3:00 am Bangladesh time, leading to the cancellation of flight BG539 scheduled for October 12.
The disruptions are occurring amidst security concerns following recent attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. An attack on October 10 resulted in the death of 13 people, including two Bangladeshis, and over 300 injuries, as reported by Saudi authorities and international media. Another attack on October 11 claimed the life of a Pakistani national and injured 11 others, according to Saudi aviation authorities cited by international news agencies.
Additionally, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a caution to American aircraft operators regarding flights to or over Saudi Arabia due to potential risks associated with military activities and interference with navigation systems. The advisory, effective until December 10, covers risks during overflight, arrival, and departure operations.
